Local children dance up a storm at camp

Local children dance up a storm at camp

19 August 2020

NOW in its fourth year, local Irish dance school Scoil Rince an Chroí recently held its summer dance camp which boasted a vibrant programme for all levels of dancers.

Each day, the Irish dance school opened the doors of wtheir bespoke dance studio situated off the Downpatrick Road, outside Crossgar, to their Tapping Tots class.

Tapping Tots is a unique, custom-made Irish dance programme for pre-school children and is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Dance teacher Bríd McKinney explained: “Movement and rhythm comes naturally to children. Not only does dance allow kids to get their energy out, it’s also a great way for children to express themselves. It’s never too early to encourage a love of physical activity in children.”

Bríd is passionate about the benefits of dance for young children. “Dance is wonderful for coordination. It develops strength and endurance. Through dancing, a toddler will learn from the early age about what their bodies are capable of,” she says.

“ At the same time, it will build their curiosity as naturally they will experiment with certain movements. If toddlers have been introduced to dancing since early age, the chance of them developing good kinesthetic memory is increased.

“During class we work on key skills such as counting and sequencing thus subtlety engaging with numeracy and literacy. We incorporate sensory props such as ribbons, scarfs, feathers, bubbles and each dancer brings their own favourite toy to dance with. We introduce the foundations of Irish dance and enjoy watching a potential life long journey of dance begin.”

Following the Tapping Tots class, some 40 dancers attended the studio for an Irish dance camp with a difference. The week was jam-packed with lots of dancing, fitness, teamwork, arts, crafts and fun.

Dance teacher Christopher Owens said: “We are delighted with the success of our summer dance camp.

2020 has posed significant disappointments for our dancers on a competitive front with event after event being cancelled. We were very determined to give our dancers a fun filled week.”

Christopher said returning to class post lockdown presented many considerations.

“We faced the challenge of implementing and adhering to government social distancing guidelines.

“Thankfully our neighbours, East Down Boxing Club, offered us their venue for the week which meant we could cater for so many dancers in a safe manner.

“Special thanks to support from our dance friends Linda, Edel, Eileen and Sinead who among many things helped assist with enforcing hand hygiene and distance measures.”

He added: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing dancers from our locations in Saul, Dromara, Loughinisland, Ballyhornan and Carryduff come together and to see each other again since lockdown began.”

Deborah Neeson, who is a parent, paid tribute to everyone who helped organise the event, while another parent, Melanie Magee, said her daughter, Caoimhe, had an “amazing and magical time” at the summer scheme.

“The teachers where absolutely fantastic and made each day fun-filled with dance and laughs,” she said.

Personal trainer Roisin Torney was a part of the dance camp schedule. She said: “Programmes such as this are of enormous benefit to young people. The timing of this dance camp was wonderful to bridge the socialisation gap between lockdown and returning to school over the next two weeks.

“Young people certainly are carrying worry about being back in a group setting and this week has taken down boundaries.”

Roisin held weekly fitness sessions with the children via Zoom. “It’s a pleasure to work with the girls and 

boys from Scoil Rince an Chroi,” she said.

“Everyone is so friendly and eager to improve their fitness levels. I love coming out to train with them and look forward to when the dancers can return to showcasing their talent and fitness on stage.”

The physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of dancing are endless. The teaching staff at Scoil Rince an Chroi are dedicated to bringing out the best in all of their dancers no matter age or ability.

To find out more about Scoil Rince an Chroi classes which offer Tots classes, beginner classes, competitive classes, classes for adults across County Down and which are due to commence on August 31, contact Chris on 07443 498510.